Anonymous wrote:My kid started in grade 3, if I recall correctly. She loved the MCYO conductor of Prep Strings, then Chamber Strings. She's continued with MCYO ever since.

Thanks, what's the practice/performance schedule like? How much does she have to practice for orchestra vs practice for her lessons? And what other activities does she do, if you don't mind sharing generally (like 1 sport with a practice and game per week, or academic enrichment at a center for 3 hours a week...).

There's so many activities already I'm wondering what needs to be cut in order to accommodate orchestra.

My kid started in grade 3, if I recall correctly. She loved the MCYO conductor of Prep Strings, then Chamber Strings. She's continued with MCYO ever since.

Anonymous wrote:What does your DC's private teacher recommend? We started youth orchestra in middle and DC has found it to be a lot of fun, fwiw. But I don't have experience with it for a younger child.

This. We are not a musical family, so it did not occur to us until his teacher told us “you really should get this kid into an orchestra.” Ask your kid’s teacher!

What does your DC's private teacher recommend? We started youth orchestra in middle and DC has found it to be a lot of fun, fwiw. But I don't have experience with it for a younger child.

Assuming the child has had a year of lessons, is it worth joining a beginners youth orchestra? Is it generally a positive experience, was it a nothing burger, did it take over your child’s schedule and make you have to cut other activities, did it grow your child’s understanding and love of music?

And is a community/regional youth orchestra worth seeking out or should we stick to the local school district orchestra? Or both?

ANY advice or insight from experienced parents is appreciated!